Dorothy Ellis VanderWoude, 91, of Riverside, RI died peacefully at her home on February 4, 2016 with her daughters by her side.
She was born in Cumberland, RI on February 18, 1924, daughter of Howard H. Pierce and Blanche Merritt Smith. Dorothy graduated from University of Rhode Island in 1944. While at URI she met her future husband, Andrew John VanderWoude, who was enrolled in a course for the Army during World War II. They were married on April 13, 1946 and had four children, three of whom survive her. Dorothy was Treasurer of AJ VanderWoude Inc, a construction company which built many new homes throughout the East Bay area. Andrew died in 1983.
Dorothy and Andy loved the Lord Jesus and were committed Christians. They were active members of Evangelical Covenant Church of Riverside for many years and were part of that congregation's move from Providence to Rounds Avenue, Riverside. Dorothy enjoyed singing in the choir, playing the hand-bells, helping set up a church library and meeting for study of the Bible and prayer.
After retirement, she volunteered working in the church office and also provided transport to appointments for many who needed it. She traveled extensively, enjoying the anticipation of planning as well as the adventure of new places. Besides visits to Wales and England to see her daughter Susan and explore the locale, she traveled to Switzerland, Barcelona, Iceland, and parts of France.
She will be lovingly remembered by her three children, seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She is survived by her children; David John VanderWoude of West Swanzey, NH, Elizabeth Anne Hagan of Barrington and Susan Ellis Prior of Rushden, UK and her grandchildren Kevin VanderWoude, Joshua Hagan, Jonathan VanderWoude, Sara Hagan Luke, Thomas Prior, Benjamin Prior and Daniel Prior.
Calling hours will take place at Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915, on Tuesday February 9th from 4 to 6 PM. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday February 10th at 11.00 a.m. at The Evangelical Covenant Church, 165 Rounds Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Camp Squanto Camper Scholarships at Pilgrim Pines, 220 West Shore Road, Swanzey, NH 03446, or go to: www.pilgrimpines.org/about-us/partner-with-us.
Service
165 Rounds Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
11:00 AM
Visitation
Monday, February 9, 2015
4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Service Information